"My priority as leader would be to make sure that people understand that, as PCs, we believe that fiscal responsibility goes hand in hand with social responsibility. That has always been my cornerstone belief as a PC, and is what I would continue to pursue as leader," the Whitby-Oshawa MPP, the first declared candidate in the race, said in an online chat Thursday with QMI Agency readers.

Elliott said she saw no conflict in supporting both fiscal responsibility and LGBTQ rights, and that the party needs to invite more Ontarians into the tent.

The Ontario PCs are seeking a new leader following a disappointing June 12 election result that cost the party nine seats in the legislature.

Tim Hudak, who led the party through two general elections and who ran on a traditional right-wing Conservative agenda, has stepped aside to allow for an interim leader, Jim Wilson.

The PCs have yet to pick a date for the leadership convention.

Although Elliott is the only candidate to have officially entered the leadership campaign so far, she's not expected to be alone for long.